News:

Shirt worn by Rams legend Kevin Hector in final game for Derby County expected to soar at auction

A football shirt worn by Derby County legend Kevin Hector in his last game for the Rams is expected to make more than £1,000 at auction.

Hector, a top striker for the club during their golden years in the early 1970s, was a huge fans favourite.

He made 486 League appearances for Derby County during two stints with the club from 1966-1978 and 1980-82 and scored 155 goals along the way.

Now the shirt he wore for his final game for DCFC on May 15, 1982, is set to be sold by Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers in their Football in Focus and Sporting Memorabilia auction on February 21.

Hector wore the shirt in a match against Watford. Derby won 3-2 and Hector scored one of the goals. The shirt will go to auction with an estimate of £800-£1,200.

Alistair Lofley, sports valuer at Hansons and a Derby County fan himself, said: “There is already lots of interest in this shirt. Kevin Hector was hugely popular and a fantastic striker.

“To older Rams fans, Hector, nicknamed Zak, is a goal-scoring legend. He played for the team during the golden years of the early 1970s when Derby were the best team in the land.

“He was part of the team that won the Football League First Division championship twice in 1972 and 1975, not to mention reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.

“He was capped for England twice but in my opinion should have made more appearance for our national team.”

Signed in 1966 by Tim Ward, Hector, now 74, was a key player under the management of Brian Clough and later Dave Mackay, forming a formidable partnership with John O'Hare.

Mr Lofley added: “Another thing people love about Hector is that he’s stayed local, though he originates from Leeds. In the latter part of his career he had loan spells with Burton Albion and also played for Gresley Rovers, Belper Town and Heanor Town.”

Alistair Lofley offers free sports memorabilia valuations on the first Saturday of every month, 9am-noon, at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, with his next date being January 5. Alternatively, email [email protected] or call 07863 203377. Entries are invited until February 1 for Hansons Sporting Memorabilia Auction on February 21.